Oklahoma State is climbing in the AP poll and establishing itself as a contender in the Big 12. The Cowboys can't afford to get derailed in the final game of a four-game homestand. Though Iowa State is coming off a 49-28 loss to Baylor, the Cyclones battled before losing 32-28 at home against Kansas State on Sept. 6 and beat Iowa the next week. Iowa State has been close to breaking through, and a win on the road against a ranked team would provide a confidence boost.

KEY MATCHUP

Oklahoma State's run game vs. Iowa State run defense. Oklahoma State's trio of Desmond Roland, Tyreek Hill and Rennie Childs has combined for 523 yards and six touchdowns so far. They face a defense that has surrendered 227 yards rushing per game. Roland ran for 219 yards and four touchdowns against the Cyclones last year.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Iowa State: Quarterback Sam B. Richardson. He's a dual threat who passed for 212 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 99 yards against Baylor. He has passed for 803 yards this season and is the Cyclones' leading rusher with 218 yards.

Oklahoma State: Quarterback Daxx Garman. He was the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Week after passing for 370 yards and four touchdowns and running for another score last Thursday against Texas Tech. If he gets time to throw, his strong arm and his fast receivers make him a threat to post similar numbers on a weekly basis.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oklahoma State has won four of the last five against the Cyclones. ... The Cowboys have won 25 straight at home against unranked teams. ... Oklahoma State won 58-27 in Ames last year. ... Seven Oklahoma State players have a reception of at least 39 yards. ... Iowa State linebacker Jevohn Miller leads the Big 12 with 11.5 tackles per game. ... Iowa State ranks second nationally with 29.3 yards per punt return. ... Iowa State has just 17 wins all time against ranked teams, but one was a 37-31 victory over No. 2 Oklahoma State in 2011 that cost the Cowboys a shot at the national title.

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